Having spent the last fifteen years studying Theravada, I feel a need to learn more about the other traditions. Consider me to be a complete novice on these topics. I look forward to learning from you all.

"This order considers that progress can be achieved more rapidly during a single month of self-transformation through terrifying conditions in rough terrain and in "the abode of harmful forces" than through meditating for a period of three years in towns and monasteries"....Takpo Tashi Namgyal.

Having spent the last fifteen years studying Theravada, I feel a need to learn more about the other traditions. Consider me to be a complete novice on these topics. I look forward to learning from you all.

Best wishes, Vincent.

Hi.. Take a walk up Gloucester Road for the FWBO and the NKT, or I recommend the Lam Rim sangha as they have 2, yes 2, Lharampa Geshes who teach in Birstol and Cardiff.

It is my duty to follow Yeshe around here and post disclaimers after he writes

Please look up all of these sanghas or talk to practitioners to get opinions before setting your sights on any one sangha. FWBO and NKT are described as controversial and one of the issues is mentioned in our TOS. The other Sangha would be considered more mainstream.

Forgot to add....I am just a uneducated layperson with a very small practice of no accomplishment. So if you read anything I write, feel free to take it with a grain of salt. Sometimes I can spell Mahayana correctly..but mostly not.

"This order considers that progress can be achieved more rapidly during a single month of self-transformation through terrifying conditions in rough terrain and in "the abode of harmful forces" than through meditating for a period of three years in towns and monasteries"....Takpo Tashi Namgyal.

Thanks for the warm welcome. Yes there are many Buddhist groups in Bristol, but it is difficult for me to get to them. I am 61 years old and do not have a car. The area where I live has virtually no bus service.

Perhaps I should have made it clear that I am only interested in doctrinal matters. Not techniques of meditation, or having a teacher. I just want to know how the teachings differ from Theravada. Research online should be able to answer these questions.

Thanks for the warm welcome. Yes there are many Buddhist groups in Bristol, but it is difficult for me to get to them. I am 61 years old and do not have a car. The area where I live has virtually no bus service.

Perhaps I should have made it clear that I am only interested in doctrinal matters. Not techniques of meditation, or having a teacher. I just want to know how the teachings differ from Theravada. Research online should be able to answer these questions.

Best wishes, Vincent.

Hello Vincent

If one wishes to understand the Mahayana, without Bodhicitta, even if one reads enough sutras and sastras to fill the ancient library of Alexandria, understanding will always remain out of reach.

Yes that is true. I suppose the same could be said of Theravada. One could read all the discourses over and over again, but without wisdom (panna) one would never understand them. Just look at most books written by academics!

Perhaps I should have made it clear that I am only interested in doctrinal matters. Not techniques of meditation, or having a teacher. I just want to know how the teachings differ from Theravada. Research online should be able to answer these questions.